Deadline: 23 August 2024
The ME Research UK is currently inviting proposals from researchers for its Research Grants to support scientifically robust biomedical studies at appropriate host institutions worldwide.
Please note that they also welcome applications for PhD-level research funding at this time – there will not be a separate call for applications for PhD-level research this year.
Area of Interest
- ME Research UK funds projects in all areas related to the biology or treatment of ME/CFS, but the main areas of interest include the following:
- Muscle fatigue – underlying mechanisms and potential therapies.
- Brain and nervous system – structural and functional changes.
- Immune system – autoimmunity and the role of specific antibodies.
- Metabolomics and the search for diagnostic biomarkers.
- Symptomatic impact of ME/CFS on other organ systems.
Eligibility Criteria
- It is essential that applicants demonstrate clear translational potential for their proposed research, and how it will benefit patients in the short-to-medium term.
- They also ask researchers to consider the following points when preparing their applications:
- They encourage a multidisciplinary approach where appropriate.
- Please specify the diagnostic criteria used to select patients, which should include post-exertional malaise as one of the key symptoms.
- They encourage patient involvement in study design and implementation where possible and appropriate, and if it is not included applicants should explain why. Science for ME has established a forum for researchers looking for members for Patient and Public Involvement
- They do not fund research that is focused mainly on long COVID, although that does not preclude it being a subgroup within an ME/CFS study.
- They encourage consideration of differences in patient characteristics and disease-related factors, or at least an understanding of how the research does or does not apply to different groups (e.g. by sex or disease severity).
- Applicants may find it useful to consult the UK ME/CFS ‘Researcher toolkit’, which was produced as part of the work surrounding the Department for Health and Social Care’s Delivery Plan process. This contains information such as resources for developing high quality proposals, and guides to embedding patient and public involvement.
For more information, visit ME Research UK.
